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Piccadilly Gardens revamp to start 'soon as possible'

Haider SaleemNorth West
News imageVirtual Planit An artist's impression shows a children's play park planned for Piccadilly Gardens. It includes roundabouts and climbing frames and light blue safety flooring. Virtual Planit
The proposals include a new, larger play area for younger children.

Long-awaited plans to transform a major public space in the centre of a city have been submitted.

Ten months on from the proposals first being revealed, Manchester City Council has put in a planning bid to create more lawns, plant more trees and create a larger playground for families in Piccadilly Gardens.

The authority said work could begin "as soon as possible" if planning permission was granted in the autumn.

Hundreds of people responded to a consultation on the plans, with some raising concerns about continued anti-social behaviour at the site, and questioning how it would be kept safe for those who would want to use it.

News imageVirtual Planit Image is an artist's impression of how Piccadilly Gardens will look if the council's plans go ahead. There are lots of trees in planted areas surrounded by knee-high decorative fencing. People are walking around the site in the sunshine. Virtual Planit
The plans include more trees, planting and seating and an improved setting for the Queen Victoria statue.

Under the plans, old fountains, low concrete walls and raised planters will be removed, while lighting, sightlines and CCTV will be improved.

Of those who took part in the consultation, 58% believed the proposals would create a safe and welcoming space, 67% said they would provide clear walking routes, and 70% thought they would make it greener and more colourful.

The council said physical changes alone would not be enough, and it was working with Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester on how the gardens would be managed.

Interim council leader Garry Bridges said: "Residents have told us loud and clear what they want from Piccadilly Gardens.

"They want the area to look better and feel safer and that's exactly what we're going to deliver.

"There has already been significant investment in the area – including extra police and council resources".

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